Beta-Serum Dairy Products, Neutral Lipid-Depleted and/or Polar Lipid-Enriched Dairy Products, and Processes for Their Production

ABSTRACT

Processes for producing dairy products having lower levels of neutral lipids, and/or higher levels of polar lipids, by extraction using near critical carbon dioxide or dimethyl ether. These products may be used as ingredients in infant formulas. Infant formulas containing beta-serum are also claimed. “Beta-serum” means an aqueous dairy ingredient separated from dairy streams containing greater than 60% fat which have been through phase inversion from an oil-in- water to a water-in-oil emulsion, such as the serum produced during the production of butter oil.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides dairy products and processes forproducing these products. The dairy products of the present inventioninclude products suitable for use in infant formulas.

BACKGROUND

Commercially available infant formulas are typically produced usingnon-human milk. However the nutritional composition of human milkdiffers in some respects to that of non-human milk (such as cow, sheep,buffalo or goat).

Non-human whole milk such as cow, goat or sheep milk, contains a higherproportion of saturated fatty acids than human milk and is deficient inlinoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids thatare essential for normal infant growth and development. Also, butyricacid which is found in milk fat may cause putrid vomit in infants.

Therefore standard infant formulas are typically produced using low-fatdairy products such as skim milk. Using a reduced-fat dairy productmeans undesirable components in milk fat are not included in the infantformula, but it also means that phospholipid and (glyco)sphingolipidlevels are significantly lower than those in human milk.

Research over the last 5-10 years has shown that increasing phospholipidand (glyco)sphingolipid levels in infant formulations to levels found inhuman milk (particularly ganglioside GM₃, ganglioside GD₃, ceramides andsphingomyelin) may lead to:

-   -   enhanced gut maturation, thereby reducing the risk of infection;    -   prevention of infections by modifying gut intestinal flora and        competitively binding antigens;    -   prevention of the development of allergies; and    -   optimal neural development.

It is therefore desirable to produce an infant formula containingsufficient levels of desirable lipids while minimising or eliminatingundesirable ingredients.

One means currently used to achieve this is to add lipid-containingextracts and other individual ingredients to a base formulation therebyproducing an infant formula with the desired nutritional profile. Thelipid extracts may be produced using conventional extraction solvents(for example WO 94/18289 describes a method for extracting sphingomyelinfrom a phospholipid-containing fat concentrate using solvent extractiontechniques). Such lipid extracts are expensive to produce. Furthermore,extensive toxicity and safety studies are required before regulatoryapproval in some jurisdictions can be obtained for their use.

Another means used to achieve this goal is to include buttermilk ininfant formulas. Buttermilk is the aqueous by-product stream producedduring one of three processes:

-   -   (1) Traditional butter manufacture using either the Fritz        buttermaking or batch buttermaking process;    -   (2) Traditional production of butter-oil (also known as        anhydrous milk fat or AMF) from cream as shown in FIG. 1;    -   (3) Production of butter-oil from cream using a two-sera process        as shown in FIG. 2, where the buttermilk is produced by blending        the secondary skim and beta-serum streams together.

Infant formulas containing buttermilk contain lesser amounts ofundesirable components of milk fat than non-human milk, but higherlevels of phospholipids and (glyco)sphingolipids than reduced-fat dairyproducts. However, the levels of these desirable lipids are not highenough for buttermilk to be used in a whey-dominant infant formula inorder to achieve phospholipid and (glyco)sphingolipid levels similar tothose in human milk.

Supercritical extraction using carbon dioxide as the solvent is known toextract neutral lipids from buttermilk powders. Astaire J. C., Ward R.,German J. B., and Jimenez-Flores R. (2003) Concentration of Polar MFGMLipids from Buttermilk by Microfiltration and Supercritical FluidExtraction J. Dairy Sci. 86, 2297-2307 describes the supercriticalextraction of buttermilk using carbon dioxide as the solvent to producea product rich in protein, and enhanced in levels of polar lipids.However, the buttermilk powder so produced still has low levels of polarlipids, at a maximum of 2% of the dry powder mass, and is thusunsuitable for infant formula.

One possible way to provide a suitable product would be to separate theprotein components from the lipid components in a dairy product.

Dimethyl ether (DME) has previously been used in the extraction oflipids from raw egg yolk (Yano et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,157,404) and driedegg powder (Yano et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,234,619). The process causes thefractionation of the lipid and protein components into separate streams.In U.S. Pat. No. 4,157,404, Yano states that while lipids can beextracted from raw egg yolks (75% moisture content), the proteins aredenatured. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,234,619, Yano states that proteins are notdenatured if the egg yolk is dry, but the phospholipids can only bepartially extracted.

WO 2004/066744 describes the extraction of lipids from an aqueous dairystream using near critical extraction where dimethyl ether is thesolvent. WO 2004/066744 also discloses that neither supercritical CO₂ orsubcritical dimethyl ether can extract lipids in useful yields from wheyprotein concentrate (WPC) dairy powders. However, this document does notdisclose the extraction of lipids from powders rich in milk fat globulemembrane material.

Attempts to extract lipids from dairy powder streams with high lactosecontents (where high is at least 30% by mass of the total powder) byextraction using liquefied dimethyl ether have been unsuccessful.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide improvedor alternative dairy products that can be used in infant formulations,and/or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to processes for producing dairy productsthat have lower levels of neutral lipids, or higher levels of polarlipids, or both. These products may be used as ingredients in infantformulas.

Thus the invention provides a process for producing a neutrallipid-depleted beta-serum dairy product comprising the following steps:

-   -   (1) providing dried beta-serum; and    -   (2) subjecting the beta-serum to a near critical carbon dioxide        extraction process.

The term “beta-serum” as used herein means an aqueous dairy ingredientseparated from dairy streams containing greater than 60% fat which havebeen through phase inversion from an oil-in-water to a water-in-oilemulsion. Cream is the preferred starting material for the production ofbeta-serum. For example beta-serum is produced during the production ofbutter-oil (also known as anhydrous milk fat or AMF) from cream as shownin FIG. 2.

Preferably the dried beta-serum is a powder.

Preferably the near critical carbon dioxide pressure is at least 73.2bar and the temperature is in the range 304.2 to 373 K (supercriticalregion); or the carbon dioxide pressure is greater than or equal to thevapour pressure, and the temperature is in the range 273 to 304.1 K(subcritical region). More preferably, the carbon dioxide pressure is atleast 250 bar, and the temperature in the range 313 to 353 K.

Preferably the lactose content of beta-serum is reduced before theextraction process. Preferably the lactose content is reduced byultrafiltration. In a particularly preferred embodiment of theinvention, the lactose content is further reduced by diafiltrationduring ultrafiltration.

Preferably, the lactose content is reduced to less than or equal to 30%(on a dry weight basis) before the near critical carbon dioxide step.More preferably, the lactose content is reduced to less than or equal to25% (on a dry weight basis) before the near critical carbon dioxidestep. More preferably, the lactose content is reduced to less than orequal to 20% (on a dry weight basis) before the near critical carbondioxide step. Most preferably, the lactose content is reduced to lessthan or equal to 10% (on a dry weight basis) before the near criticalcarbon dioxide step.

Preferably the neutral lipid-depleted beta-serum dairy product isenriched in phospholipids, sphingolipids and glycolipids. Preferably thedairy product comprises approximately 50-70% protein (TN×6.38),preferably at least 60% protein (TN×6.38); 5-25% phospholipids andglycolipid, preferably 15-25% phospholipids and glycolipid; and 0-10%neutral lipid, preferably approximately 5% neutral lipid. Mostpreferably the dairy product comprises less than about 5% neutrallipids.

The invention also provides a process for producing a neutrallipid-depleted dairy product comprising the following steps:

-   -   (1) providing a dried high-fat low-lactose dairy starting        material;    -   (2) subjecting the starting material to a near critical carbon        dioxide extraction process, and        subsequently fractionating the dairy product to produce a lipid        enriched fraction and a lipid depleted fraction comprising the        step of:    -   (3) subjecting this lipid-depleted dairy product to a liquid        dimethyl ether extraction process.

Preferably the near critical carbon dioxide pressure is at least 73.2bar and the temperature is in the range 304.2 to 373 K (supercriticalregion); or the carbon dioxide pressure is greater than or equal to thevapour pressure, and the temperature is in the range 273 to 304.1 K(subcritical region). More preferably, the carbon dioxide pressure is atleast 250 bar, and the temperature in the range 313 to 353 K.

Preferably, the dimethyl ether is liquefied and pressurised to apressure at least equal to the vapour pressure at the temperature of theextraction, and more preferably is at least 10 bar greater than thevapour pressure. Preferably the temperature is in the range 273-373 K,and more preferably in the range 293-353 K.

The term “high fat” means containing greater than 10% fat w/w of solids,preferably greater than 15% fat w/w of solids and most preferablygreater than 20% fat w/w of solids.

The term “low-lactose” means that the lactose content is less than orequal to 30% (on a dry weight basis). More preferably, the lactosecontent is less than or equal to 25% (on a dry weight basis). Morepreferably, the lactose content is less than or equal to 20% (on a dryweight basis). Most preferably, the lactose content is less than orequal to 10% (on a dry weight basis).

Preferably the lactose content of beta-serum is reduced before theextraction process. Preferably the lactose content is reduced byultrafiltration. In a particularly preferred embodiment of theinvention, the lactose content is further reduced by diafiltrationduring ultrafiltration.

Preferably the high-fat low-lactose dairy starting material islactose-reduced beta-serum. Alternatively the high-fat low-lactose dairystarting material is lactose-reduced buttermilk.

Preferably the high-fat low-lactose dairy starting material is spraydried before the near critical carbon dioxide step. Alternativelyhigh-fat low-lactose dairy starting material is freeze-dried or vacuumdried before the near critical carbon dioxide step.

The lipid enriched fraction preferably contains at least 50%phospholipids and glycolipids and is substantially reduced in neutrallipids. More preferably, the lipid enriched fraction contains at least80% phospholipids and glycolipids, and is substantially free of neutrallipids.

In a preferred embodiment the lipid depleted fraction is enriched inmilk fat globule membrane proteins and contains, on a powder basis65-79% (TN×6.38) protein, 8-12% lactose, 5-11% fat includingphospholipids (4-9% of fraction), more preferably about 72% protein(TN×6.38), 9% lactose, 8% fat including phospholipids (6% of fraction),5% ash and 4% moisture.

The invention also provides a process for producing a lipid enrichedfraction and a lipid depleted fraction comprising the following steps:

-   -   (1) providing a high-fat low-lactose dairy starting material;        and    -   (2) subjecting the starting material to a liquid dimethyl ether        extraction process.

The lipid depleted fraction contains all of the milk fat globulemembrane proteins and therefore could be used in infant formulas todeliver health benefits that are more strongly associated with milk fatglobule membrane protein components.

Preferably, the dimethyl ether is liquefied and pressurised to apressure at least equal to the vapour pressure at the temperature of theextraction, and more preferably is at least 10 bar greater than thevapour pressure. Preferably the temperature is in the range 273-373 K,and more preferably in the range 293-353 K.

The term “high fat” means containing greater than 10% fat w/w of solids,preferably greater than 15% fat w/w of solids and most preferablygreater than 20% fat w/w of solids.

The term “low-lactose” means that the lactose content is less than orequal to 30% (on a dry weight basis). More preferably, the lactosecontent is less than or equal to 25% (on a dry weight basis). Morepreferably, the lactose content is less than or equal to 20% (on a dryweight basis). Most preferably, the lactose content is less than orequal to 10% (on a dry weight basis).

Preferably the lactose content of beta-serum is reduced before theextraction process. Preferably the lactose content is reduced inbeta-serum or the starting material by ultrafiltration. In aparticularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the lactose contentis further reduced by diafiltration during ultrafiltration.

Preferably the high-fat low-lactose dairy starting material islactose-reduced beta-serum. Alternatively the high-fat low-lactose dairystarting material is lactose-reduced buttermilk.

Preferably the high-fat low-lactose dairy starting material is spraydried before the liquid dimethyl ether extraction step. Alternativelyhigh-fat low-lactose dairy starting material is freeze-dried or vacuumdried before the liquid dimethyl ether extraction step.

In one embodiment, the lipid enriched fraction contains at least 40%phospholipids and glycolipids. This process does not take out theneutral lipids first with CO₂, and because DME extracts both polar andneutral lipids, the DME lipid extract will contain about the same ratioof neutral lipid-to-phospholipid as in the feed. For example, for a feedcontaining a neutral lipid to phospholipid ratio of about 1.2, thecomposition of the DME lipid extract on a 3% moisture basis is 80-90%fat including phospholipids (35-45% of fraction), 5-9% ash, 2-5% lactoseand 2-3% moisture.

The lipid depleted fraction is enriched in milk fat globule membraneproteins and contains, on a powder basis, about 60-80% protein(TN×6.38), 6-12% lactose, 5-11% fat including phospholipids (5-9% offraction), preferably 73% protein (TN×6.38), 9% lactose, 8% fatincluding phospholipids (7% of fraction), 5% ash and 3% moisture.

The level of protein in the products described in this specification iscalculated from the total nitrogen (TN) in a sample multiplied by afactor of 6.38.

The invention also provides products produced by the processes of thepresent invention, and compositions and infant formulas containing suchproducts.

The term “infant formula” as used herein includes formulas designed forinfants 0-12 months old, formulas designed for infants 6-12 months old(follow-on-formula) and formulas designed for toddlers and youngchildren (1-7 years, growing-up milks/milk powders).

Preferably, the invention provides an infant formula comprising:

-   -   (a) 30-60% lactose    -   (b) 15-35% vegetable oils    -   (c) 0-40% skim milk powder    -   (d) 0-40% whey protein concentrate    -   (e) 1-50% a product produced by a process of the present        invention.

More preferably, the invention provides an infant formula comprising:

-   -   (a) 40-60% lactose    -   (b) 20-30% vegetable oils    -   (c) 10-15% skim milk powder    -   (d) 6-8% 80% protein whey protein concentrate (WPC80)    -   (e) 1-5% a product produced by a process of the present        invention.

The infant formula may also comprise 2-4% of at least one of thefollowing:

-   -   (a) vitamin premix    -   (b) mineral premix    -   (c) lecithin    -   (d) antioxidant    -   (e) stabiliser    -   (f) nucleotides.

In a preferred embodiment, these infant formulas may be formulated toprovide between 2700 and 3000 kJ/L.

The invention also provides an infant formula comprising beta-serum asan ingredient.

Preferably, the infant formula comprises:

-   -   (a) 30-60% lactose    -   (b) 15-35% vegetable oils    -   (c) 0-40% skim milk powder    -   (d) 0-40% whey protein concentrate    -   (e) 1-50% beta-serum powder.

More preferably, the infant formula comprises:

-   -   (a) 40-60% lactose    -   (b) 20-30% vegetable oils    -   (c) 10-15% skim milk powder    -   (d) 6-8% 80% protein whey protein concentrate (WPC80)    -   (e) 1-10% beta-serum powder.

Most preferably, the infant formula comprises:

-   -   (a) 40-60% lactose    -   (b) 20-30% vegetable oils    -   (c) 10-15% skim milk powder    -   (d) 6-8% 80% protein whey protein concentrate (WPC80)    -   (e) 2-5% beta-serum powder.

The infant formula may also comprise 2-4% of at least one of thefollowing:

-   -   (a) vitamin premix    -   (b) mineral premix    -   (c) lecithin    -   (d) antioxidant    -   (e) stabiliser    -   (f) nucleotides.

In a preferred embodiment, these infant formulas may be formulated toprovide between 2700 and 3000 kJ/L.

The invention also provides an infant formula comprising as aningredient a fraction obtained from beta-serum enriched in polar lipidsor depleted in neutral lipids or both.

Preferably the infant formula comprises:

-   -   (a) 30-60% lactose    -   (b) 15-35% vegetable oils    -   (c) 0-40% skim milk powder    -   (d) 0-40% whey protein concentrate    -   (e) 1-50% a fraction obtained from beta-serum enriched in polar        lipids or depleted in neutral lipids or both.

More preferably, the infant formula comprises:

-   -   (a) 40-60% lactose    -   (b) 20-30% vegetable oils    -   (c) 10-15% skim milk powder    -   (d) 6-8% 80% protein whey protein concentrate (WPC80)    -   (e) 1-5% a fraction obtained from beta-serum enriched in polar        lipids or depleted in neutral lipids or both.

The infant formula may also comprise 2-4% of at least one of thefollowing:

-   -   (a) vitamin premix    -   (b) mineral premix    -   (c) lecithin    -   (d) antioxidant    -   (e) stabiliser    -   (f) nucleotides.

In a preferred embodiment, these infant formulas may be formulated toprovide between 2700 and 3000 kJ/L.

The products, compositions and infant formulas of the present inventionmay be administered to provide health benefits.

For example, the following health benefits are contemplated:

-   -   enhancing gut maturation    -   reducing the risk of infection    -   modifying gut intestinal flora and competitively binding        antigens    -   preventing infections    -   preventing the development of allergies    -   optimizing neural development    -   treating a dermatological condition    -   optimizing immune system development    -   maintaining optimal immune function    -   preventing or treating colon cancer.

The inventors have discovered that the levels of phospholipids andgangliosides in beta-serum make it suitable to be used in thefortification of infant formulas. The inventors have also discoveredthat dairy products which are high in fat but low in lactose (includinglow-lactose beta-serum) may be processed to reduce the levels of neutrallipids, or increase the levels of polar lipids, or both, thus creatingproducts which are even more suitable in the fortification of infantformulas.

The processes described in the invention utilise processing andextraction techniques which do not leave toxic residues, thereforefurther processing of the final dairy product is not required.

Additionally, the use of ultrafiltration and near critical extractionwith carbon dioxide as the solvent means it should be easier to obtainregulatory approval for the use of this product as there is minimal orno solvent residue in the product compared with the use of conventionalsolvents such as acetone and ethanol. Additionally conventional solventsextensively denature proteins, making the use of these solventsunsuitable for producing dairy products for infant formula applications.

The term “dairy” as used herein means of, containing, or concerning milkand its products. It includes milk produced by humans, cows, buffalo andgoats but is not limited to these animals.

Every substance has its own “critical” point at which the liquid andvapour state of the substance become identical. Above but close to thecritical point of a substance, the substance is in a fluid state thathas properties of both liquids and gases. The fluid has a densitysimilar to a liquid, and viscosity and diffusivity similar to a gas. Theterm “supercritical” as used herein refers to the pressure-temperatureregion above the critical point of a substance. The term “subcritical”as used herein refers to the pressure-temperature region equal to orabove the vapour pressure for the liquid, but below the criticaltemperature. The term “near critical” as used herein encompasses both“supercritical” and “subcritical” regions, and refers to pressures andtemperatures near the critical point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows a schematic drawing of the traditional process forproducing butter-oil from cream and the production of buttermilk duringthis process.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic drawing of the process for producing butter-oilfrom cream and the production of beta-serum during this process.

EXAMPLES

The following Examples further illustrate practice of the invention.

Example 1 Extraction of Whey Protein Concentrate Powder

This example shows that the extraction of lipids from powder with highconcentrations of whey proteins results in very low yields of lipid.Whey protein concentrate powders containing 80.26% by mass protein,6.83% by mass lipid, and 3.57% moisture were extracted with the nearcritical solvents carbon dioxide, propane, and dimethyl ether (DME). Thesolvent, pressure, temperature, mass of solids used, mass of solventused, and extract solids and lipid yields are given in table 1.

TABLE 1 Lipid yields for the extraction of WPC solids with varioussolvents Mass of Mass of Pressure Temperature Mass of solvent Extract,Yield, Yield, Solvent bar K solids g used, kg g % solids % lipids CO₂300 317.1 3600.0 18.9 2.69 0.07 1.05 Propane 32 314.1 3600.0 11.8 3.970.11 1.56 DME 32 314.1 3600.0 10.9 4.58 0.13 1.80 DME 55 323.9 129.20.41 0.34 0.26 3.60 DME 55 333.1 129.1 0.42 0.56 0.43 5.95

The lipid yields are very low and an increase in extraction temperaturedoes not increase the extraction yield to desired levels.

Example 2 Extraction of Standard Lactose Beta Serum Powders withSupercritical

This example shows that extraction of neutral lipids is possible frombeta serum powder with standard lactose content, but that the yield issignificantly less than with powders where the lactose content has beenreduced. The protein and total phospholipid content of the final powderare low. Beta serum powders with the following compositions wereextracted with supercritical CO₂ at 300 bar and 313 K: batch 1 totalprotein 29.4%, lactose 42.5%, total fat 19.7%, moisture 3.1% and ash 6%;batch 2 total protein 31.7%, lactose 44.6%, total fat 20.6%, moisture2.3% and ash 6.1%. The total fat is made up of neutral lipids,phospholipids, gangliosides, ceramides and cerebrosides, such aslactosylceramide. The fat extraction results, and mass of phospholipidsin the extract are shown in table 2. Only neutral lipids are extractedby supercritical CO₂ as the other types of fat, and especiallyphospholipids, are not soluble in this solvent.

TABLE 2 Lipid yields for the extraction of standard lactose beta serumpowders with CO₂ Mass of CO₂ Mass of Mass of % Yield, % Yield, solidsused extract phospholipid total neutral Batch g kg g g lipids lipids 111108.3 73.305 944.1 0 43.14 72.3 2 9618.4 69.894 714.3 0 36.05 62.6

The powder compositions after extraction were: batch 1 total protein32.0%, lactose 47.9%, total fat 13.6%, moisture 3.8%, and ash 3%; batch2 total protein 34.2%, lactose 44.2%, total fat 11.3%, moisture 3.5%,and ash 6.3%.

The powder from batch 2 was tested for whey protein denaturation. It wasassumed that the casein proteins were not denatured. A representativesample of powder was taken, and mixed with water to give approximately3% whey proteins in solution. The caseins were precipitated at pH 4.6with hydrochloric acid, and removed from solution by centrifuging. Thecomposition of the remaining soluble whey proteins was determined byreverse phase chromatography. The soluble whey proteins decreased from13.43 g/100 g of protein in the feed to 8.39 g/100 g of protein in theextracted powder. There was a very large decrease in native(undenatured) beta-lactoglobulin. Denaturation of the protein makes thepowder less suitable for infant formula than those products described inExample 3.

Example 3 Extraction of Low Lactose Beta Serum Powders withSupercritical CO₂

This example shows that extraction of neutral lipids with greater than90% yield is possible from low lactose beta serum powders. The reductionin lactose content of the beta serum was carried out by ultrafiltrationto a volume concentration factor of 8. The protein and totalphospholipid contents of the final powder are high. Low lactose betaserum powders with the following compositions were extracted withsupercritical CO₂ at 300 bar and 313 K: batch 3 low lactose totalprotein 48.3%, lactose 14.4%, total fat 30.1%, moisture 3.0% and ash4.8%; batch 4 total protein 52.0%, lactose 7.8%, total fat 31.9%,moisture 2.7% and ash 4.8%. The fat extraction results, and mass ofphospholipids in the extract are shown in table 3. Only neutral lipidsare extracted by supercritical CO₂ as the other types of fat, andespecially phospholipids, are not soluble in this solvent.

TABLE 3 Lipid yields for the extraction of low lactose beta serumpowders with CO₂ Mass of CO₂ Mass of Mass of % yield, % yield, solidsused extract phospholipid total neutral Batch g kg g in extract g lipidslipids 3 6981.2 80.399 1085.7 0 51.6 90.2 4 6375.2 79.601 1085.4 0 53.494.0

The powder compositions after extraction were: batch 3 total protein57.3%, lactose 15.1%, total fat 18.7%, total phospholipids 14.4%,moisture 4.1%, and ash 5.7%; batch 4 total protein 61.6%, lactose 10.1%,total fat 21.9%, total phospholipids 16.8%, moisture 4.5%, and ash 5.6%.Batches 3 and 4 extracted with supercritical CO₂ also had enhancedlevels of gangliosides at ˜0.7% by mass. The remaining differencebetween the total fat in the residual powder, and the phospholipid andganglioside content, is made up of mostly ceramides and cerebrosides,especially lactosylceramide. The powder from batches 3 (low lactose) and4 (very low lactose) were tested for protein denaturation to ensure thatit was suitable for use in infant formula as per example 2. The solublewhey proteins increased from 12.20 g/100 g of protein in the feed to13.57 g/100 g of protein in the extracted powder for batch 3; and from12.44 g/100 g of protein in the feed to 12.94 g/100 g of protein in theextracted powder for batch 4. The lack of denaturation of the protein,and the high protein and phospholipid contents of the extracted lowlactose powders make them very suitable for infant formula.

Example 4 Extraction of Standard and Low Lactose Beta Serum Powders withSupercritical CO₂ Followed by Near Critical Dimethyl Ether

This example shows that the extraction of phospholipids in high yieldfrom beta serum powder that has been pre-extracted with supercriticalCO₂ is only possible when the lactose content of the powder has beenreduced; and that dimethyl ether extraction temperature influences theextraction yield. The example also shows that it is possible to controlthe final phospholipids content in the powder after extraction bycontrolling the extraction temperature. Partially defatted powderbatches 2 (standard lactose content, feed mass 4318.7 g), 3 (lowlactose, feed mass 2952.6 g) and 4 (very low lactose, feed mass 2668.2g) produced in examples 2 and 3 were re-extracted with dimethyl ether at40 bar and 293 K using 12.236, 13.828 and 5.117 kg respectively; andthen re-extracted with dimethyl ether at 40 bar and 323 K using 13.037,10.962 and 6.965 kg respectively. The extraction yield results are shownin table 4

TABLE 4 Phospholipid and total lipid yields from standard and lowlactose powders using dimethyl ether after supercritical CO₂ extractionDME extraction DME extraction yields at 293 K yields at 323 K Overalllipid yields, % Lactose Total % Total % Total Batch content lipid, gPhospholipid lipid, g Phospholipid Phospholipid lipid 2 47.9 56.1 64.314.5 63.7 14.2 61.0 3 15.1 338.6 76.8 38.9 75.5 69.1 82.6 4 10.1 318.877.8 32.2 77.3 60.3 82.1

The total lipid extract also contained significant levels ofganglioside, at 2.5% by mass for batch 4 at 293 K; and 1% by mass forbatch 4 at 323 K. The protein contents of all powders increased relativeto the feed after dimethyl ether extraction. The powder compositionsafter CO₂ and dimethyl ether extractions were: batch 2 total protein34.6%, lactose 47.1%, total fat 8.9%, total phospholipids 6.3%, moisture2.7%, and ash 6.7%; batch 3 total protein 64.4%, lactose 17.9%, totalfat 8.4%, total phospholipids 5.7%, moisture 3.6%, and ash 5.4%; batch 4total protein 73.2%, lactose 8.7%, total fat 7.6%, moisture 4.3%, andash 5.1%. Both powders had significant levels of gangliosides, atapproximately 0.4% by mass. The remaining difference between the totalfat in the residual powder, and the phospholipid and gangliosidecontent, is made up of mostly ceramides and cerebrosides, especiallylactosylceramide.

The powder from batches 2 (standard lactose content), 3 (low lactose)and 4 (very low lactose) after supercritical CO₂ and dimethyl etherextraction were tested for protein denaturation as per example 2. Thesoluble whey proteins decreased from 13.43 g/100 g of protein for batch2 to 8.00 g/100 g of protein in the DME extracted powder. The solublewhey proteins increased from 12.20 g/100 g of protein in the feed to15.23 g/100 g of protein in the extracted powder for batch 3; and from12.44 g/100 g of protein in the feed to 16.98 g/100 g of protein in theextracted powder for batch 4. The lack of protein denaturation, and thehigh protein and phospholipid contents of the extracted low lactosepowders make them very suitable for infant formula. Extraction withdimethyl ether has had the unexpected effect of increasing the apparentwhey protein solubility, which is initially diminished by the removal oflactose from the feed.

Example 5 Extraction of Standard and Low Lactose Powders with DimethylEther

This example shows that the extraction of both neutral lipids andphospholipids in high yield from beta serum powder is only possible whenthe lactose content of the powder has been reduced when using dimethylether as the solvent without previously extracting the powder withsupercritical CO₂; and that dimethyl ether extraction temperatureinfluences the extraction yield. The example also shows that it ispossible to control the final phospholipids content in the powder afterextraction by controlling the extraction temperature. Batch 2 (standardlactose content, feed mass 4245.6 g) with composition as given inexample 2; and batches 3 (low lactose, feed mass 3407.5 g) and 4 (verylow lactose, feed mass 3204.4 g) with compositions as given in example 3were extracted with dimethyl ether at 40 bar and 273293 K using 13.426,12.666 and 13.938 kg respectively; and then re-extracted with dimethylether at 40 bar and 323 K using 15.727, 11.673 and 11.123 kgrespectively. The extraction yield results are shown in table 5

TABLE 5 Phospholipid and total lipid yields from standard and lowlactose powders using dimethyl ether at 293 K and 323 K DME extractionDME extraction Lactose yields at 293 K yields at 323 K, Overall lipidyields, % content Total % Total % Phospholipid, Batch % lipid, gPhospholipid lipid, g Phospholipid % Total 2 44.6 189.4 21.8 50.7 27.314.9 26.9 3 14.4 752.9 27.5 101.9 66.8 62.9 82.3 4 7.8 869.1 31.6 72.769.9 67.4 85.3

The protein contents of all powders increased relative to the feed afterdimethyl ether extraction. The powder compositions after dimethyl etherextractions were: batch 2 total protein 34.8%, lactose 44.2%, total fat16.3%, phospholipids 8.3%, moisture 2.3%, and ash 6.2%; batch 3 totalprotein 65.1%, lactose 15.3%, total fat 8.3%, phospholipids 6.7%,moisture 2.2%, and ash 5.3%; batch 4 total protein 73.3%, lactose 8.8%,total fat 8.3%, total phospholipids 6.8%, moisture 2.6%, and ash 5.2%.For batches 3 and 4, the difference between the total fat andphospholipids content is made up of gangliosides, ceramides andcerebrosides.

The powder from batches 2 (standard lactose content), 3 (low lactose)and 4 (very low lactose) after dimethyl ether extraction were tested forprotein denaturation as per example 2. The soluble whey proteinsincreased from 13.43 g/100 g of protein to 14.38 g/100 g for batch 1;from 12.20 g/100 g of protein in the feed to 15.47 g/100 g of protein inthe extracted powder for batch 3; and from 12.44 g/100 g of protein inthe feed to 15.55 g/100 g of protein in the extracted powder for batch4. The lack of protein denaturation and the high protein content of theDME extracted low lactose powders make them suitable for a wide range offood applications, especially sports nutrition. Extraction with dimethylether has had the unexpected effect of increasing the apparent wheyprotein solubility, which is initially diminished by the removal oflactose from the feed. The extraction yield of total lipids andphospholipids is very low for powder with high lactose contents (batch2) when using dimethyl ether alone as the extraction solvent. The highcontent of neutral lipids makes this powder less suitable for infantformula.

Example 6 Levels of Phospholipids and Gangliosides in Selected DairyProducts

The phospholipid content of human milk typically ranges from 200-400mg/L (Jensen R G (1989) Textbook of Gastroenterology and Nutrition inInfancy, 2^(nd) Edition, E. Lebenthal (Ed), Raven Press Ltd, New York,157-208).

According to Harzer G, Haug M, Dieterich I & Gentner P R (1983) Changingpatterns of human milk lipids in the course of the lactation and duringthe day. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 37, 612-621, thephospholipid composition of human milk 36 days postpartum isphosphatidylcholine (PC) 24.9%, phosphatidyletlianolamine (PE) 27.7%,phosphatidylserine (PS) 9.3%, phosphatidylinositol (PI) 5.4% andsphingomyelin (SM) 32.4%.

Table 6 shows the phospholipid contents of:

-   -   beta-serum powder product A),    -   low lactose beta-serum powder (product B),    -   neutral lipid-depleted beta serum powder (product C), and    -   the lipid extract (product D) and residual powder (product E) of        product C after DME extraction.

These products are derived from bovine milk.

Product A (beta-serum powder) was produced using the method illustratedin FIG. 2. Product B (low lactose beta-serum powder) was produced byultrafiltration of product A. Product C was produced using the processas described in Example 3. Products D and E were produced using theprocess as described for batch 4 in Example 4, except that a singlestage DME extraction was carried out at 55° C.

The total lipid content was measured by a modified Röse-Gottlieb methodwhere the lipid extracts were vacuum evaporated and freeze-dried cf.oven drying (low temperature drying minimises the phospholipidhydrolysis that occurs during oven drying due to the presence of ammoniain the lipid extracts). The total phospholipid content was calculated bymultiplying the phosphorus content of the modified Röse-Gottlieb fatextract by 25.5 (refer McDowell AKR (1958) Phospholipids in New Zealanddairy products. Journal of Dairy Research, 25, 192-202.)

Individual phospholipids were measured by ³¹ P NMR.

Pan X L & Izumi T (2000) Variation of the ganglioside compositions ofhuman milk, cow's milk and infant formulas. Early Human Development, 57,25-31 show that ganglioside GD3 and ganglioside GM3 account for about60% of the total gangliosides in human milk and that the totalganglioside content of infant formula, as measured by the lipid-boundsialic acid (LBSA) content, is significantly lower than that of humanmilk. The content of ganglioside GD3 plus ganglioside GM3 in human milkranges from 10-16 mg/L depending on the stage of lactation (Nakano etal., 2001 Sialic acid in human milk: Composition and functions. ActaPaediatrica Taiwanica, 42, 11-17). Table 6 shows the ganglioside GD3 andganglioside GM3 contents of product A, product B, product C, product Dand product E. The ganglioside GD3 and ganglioside GM3 levels werecalculated as follows: samples were dissolved incholoroform/methanol/water 6:3:0.45 and filtered. The gangliosides werethen separated into GM3 and GD3 fractions by strong anion exchange solidphase extraction and sialic acid quantified by the Resorcinol method ofSvennerholm (Svennerholm, L. 1957. Quantitative estimation of sialicacids. II. A colorimetric resorcinol-hydrochloric acid method. Biochim.Biophys. Acta. 24:604-611). The sialic acid levels were then used tocalculate the concentrations of GM3 and GD3.

TABLE 6 Polar lipid compositions of products A-E Component (% w/w) A B CD E Total lipid 20.6 33.9 20.9 86.1 6.3 Total phospholipid 9.7 15.1 17.566.6 5.2 Phosphatidylcholine 2.6¹ 4.1 4.9 13.3 1.7Phosphatidylethanolamine 2.7¹ 4.2 4.8 22.0 1.0 Phosphatidylserine 0.8¹1.3 1.7 8.2 0.36 Phosphatidylinositol 0.6¹ 1.0 1.2 6.1 0.35Sphingomyelin 2.7¹ 4.2 4.4 15.1 1.8 Ganglioside GD3 0.36 0.58² 0.66³2.09 0.28 Ganglioside GM3 0.04 0.06² 0.05³ 0.34 0.0 ¹Estimated frommeasured values for LLBSP. ²Estimated from mean values for standard betaserum powder. ³Estimated. These are the results of another BPC60 sample.

Example 7 Infant Formulas Containing Selected Dairy Product

Table 7 shows the percentage of each product (A, B, C, D and E) thatneeds to be added to infant formula on a powder basis in order toincrease the “total” ganglioside (ganglioside GD3 plus ganglioside GM3)content of ready-to-feed (RTF) infant formula (IF) by 16 mg/L.

The assumptions are that the baseline levels of these components instandard infant formula are 0%, that the infant formula powder isreconstituted to 13% total solids, and that the density of the RTF IF is1.0 kg/L.

The beta serum product addition rates shown in Table 7 also increase theindividual phospholipid contents of the infant formula to levels greaterthan those found in human milk, the only exception being product E,where the added PE and PS levels are slightly lower than those found inhuman milk (base levels of these components in standard infant formulawould probably compensate for these shortfalls). Note that product Dcould be used instead of soy lecithin, which is commonly used toinstantise infant formulas, thereby making them easier to reconstitute.

TABLE 7 Added levels of polar lipid components in RTF IF at 13% totalsolids Human Added Component (mg/L) Milk A B C D E Addition rate (% ofNA 3.08 1.92 1.73 0.51 4.40 powdered infant formula) Total phospholipid300⁴ 388 377 394 442 297 Phosphatidylcholine 75 105 102 110 88 97Phosphatidylethanolamine 83 109 105 108 146 57 Phosphatidylserine 28 3432 38 54 21 Phosphatidylinositol 16 26 25 27 40 20 Sphingomyelin 97 108105 99 100 103 Ganglioside GD3 + GM3 16 16 16 16 16 16 Added neutrallipid⁵ NA 436 469 76 129 63 ⁴Mean of range reported by Jensen (1989).Individual phospholipids are calculated based on this mean value and thepercentages reported by Harzer et al. (1983). ⁵Neutral lipid isestimated as the difference between the total lipid and phospholipid.This is, however, an over-estimate as it includes the glycolipids (e.g.ceramides, gangliosides). To put the added amount of neutral lipid intoperspective, the ANZFA range for fat in RTF IF is 21600-45000 mg/kg i.e.the impact of added neutral lipid on the balanced fatty acid profile ofIF is small, particularly with products C, D and E.

Example 8 Infant Formulas

Ready-to-feed total solids=13.0%

Whey-to-casein ratio=60:40 (whey protein at least 60.0% of totalprotein)

Protein target⁶=14 g/L

Fat target^(6,7)=35.4-37.6 g/L

Carbohydrate target⁶=72.1-72.9 g/L ⁶ Based on Similac Advance with Ironand Enfamil LIPIL with Iron levels, noting that the Enfamil LIPIL withIron levels were reported as g per 100 cal (cf. g/100 g) so that a RTFenergy content of 2800 kJ/L for this product has been assumed.⁷Estimated levels for Similac and Enfamil products respectively.

These target levels meet the ANZFA energy requirements of infant formula(2700-3000 kJ/L). The difference between the sum of the protein,carbohydrate and fat levels and the 13% total solids target was assumedto be the vitamin and mineral premixes, antioxidants, lecithin (used toinstantise the final infant formula), and possiblynucleotides/nucleosides. These components typically amounted to about 3%of the powdered infant formula.

The oil mix used in preparing infant formulas typically comprises ablend of vegetable oils in order to achieve a fatty acid profile closeto that of human milk. Vegetable oils that are commonly used in infantformula are high oleic palm olein, high oleic sunflower oil, high oleicsafflower oil, coconut oil and soy oil. Furthermore, many of the premiumbrands also contain fish/microalgal and fungal oils as sources ofdocosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid respectively.

Infant formula 1 (Using beta serum powder- —product A):

A nutritional formula comprising:

-   -   a. About 46.54% lactose    -   b. About 26.92% oil mix (comprising 45% high oleic palm olein,        20% soy oil, 20% coconut oil and 15% of either high oleic        safflower oil or high oleic sunflower oil)    -   c. About 13.85% skim milk powder (SMP)    -   d. About 6.54% ALACEN 392 (80% protein whey protein concentrate)    -   e. About 3.15% beta serum powder (product A)    -   f. About 3.00% vitamin and mineral premixes, lecithin,        antioxidants/stabilisers, optional components e.g. nucleotides

Infant formula 2 (Using low lactose beta serum powder—product B):

A nutritional formula comprising:

-   -   a. About 47.69% lactose    -   b. About 26.92% oil mix    -   c. About 13.85% SMP    -   d. About 6.54% ALACEN 392    -   e. About 1.92% low lactose beta serum powder (product B)    -   f. About 3.08% vitamin and mineral premixes, lecithin,        antioxidants/stabilisers, optional components e.g. nucleotides

Infant formula 3 (Using—product C):

A nutritional formula comprising:

-   -   a. About 47.69% lactose    -   b. About 26.92% oil mix    -   c. About 13.85% SMP    -   d. About 6.54% ALACEN 392    -   e. About 1.73% product C    -   f. About 3.27% vitamin and mineral premixes, lecithin,        antioxidants/stabilisers, optional components e.g. nucleotides

Infant formula 4 (Using product D):

A nutritional formula comprising:

-   -   a. About 46.54% lactose    -   b. About 26.92% oil mix    -   c. About 16.15% SMP    -   d. About 6.77% ALACEN 392    -   e. About 0.51% product D    -   f. About 3.11% vitamin and mineral premixes, lecithin,        antioxidants/stabilisers, optional components e.g. nucleotides

Infant formula 5 (Using product E):

A nutritional formula comprising:

-   -   a. About 50.77% lactose    -   b. About 26.92% oil mix    -   c. About 8.23% SMP    -   d. About 6.00% ALACEN 392    -   e. About 4.40% product E    -   f. About 3.68% vitamin and mineral premixes, lecithin,        antioxidants/stabilisers, optional components e.g. nucleotides

The above examples are illustrations of practice of the invention. Itwill be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention maybe carried out with numerous variations and modifications. For exampletemperatures and pressures for the extractions may be varied as can theprotein and lactose contents of the starting materials.

Also, it will be appreciated that the dairy products of the presentinvention may also be used in products for dermatological or generalnutritional benefit in the consumer, including sports nutrition and foodfor the elderly.

The term “comprising” as used in this specification means ‘consisting atleast in part of’, that is to say when interpreting statements in thisspecification which include that term, the features, prefaced by thatterm in each statement, all need to be present but other features canalso be present.

1. A process for producing a neutral lipid-depleted beta-serum dairyproduct comprising the following steps: (1) providing dried beta-serum;and (2) subjecting the beta-serum to a near critical carbon dioxideextraction process.
 2. The process of claim 1 wherein the near criticalcarbon dioxide pressure is at least 73.2 bar and the temperature is inthe range 304.2 to 373 K.
 3. The process of claim 1 wherein the carbondioxide pressure is greater than or equal to the vapour pressure, andthe temperature is in the range 273 to 304.1 K.
 4. (canceled)
 5. Theprocess of claim 1 wherein the lactose content of the beta-serum isreduced before the extraction process.
 6. The process of claim 5 whereinthe lactose content is reduced by ultrafiltration.
 7. The process ofclaim 6 wherein the lactose content is further reduced by diafiltrationduring ultrafiltration.
 8. The process of claim 5 wherein the lactosecontent of the beta-serum is reduced to less than or equal to 30% (on adry weight basis) before the near critical carbon dioxide step. 9-11.(canceled)
 12. The process of claim 1 wherein the neutral lipid-depletedbeta-serum dairy product is enriched in phospholipids, sphingolipids andglycolipids.
 13. The process of claim 12 wherein the neutrallipid-depleted beta-serum dairy product comprises approximately: (a)50-70% protein (TN×6.38), (b) 5-25% phospholipids and glycolipid, and(c) 0-10% neutral lipid.
 14. The process of claim 13 wherein the neutrallipid-depleted beta-serum dairy product comprises: (a) at least 60%protein (TN×6.38), (b) 15-25% phospholipids and glycolipid, and (c)approximately 5% neutral lipid.
 15. (canceled)
 16. A process forproducing a neutral lipid-depleted dairy product comprising thefollowing steps: (1) providing a dried high-fat low-lactose dairystarting material; (2) subjecting the starting material to a nearcritical carbon dioxide extraction process, and  subsequentlyfractionating the dairy product to produce a lipid enriched fraction anda lipid depleted fraction comprising the step of: (3) subjecting thislipid-depleted dairy product to a liquid dimethyl ether extractionprocess.
 17. The process of claim 16 wherein the near critical carbondioxide pressure is at least 73.2 bar and the temperature is in therange 304.2 to 373 K.
 18. The process of claim 16 wherein the carbondioxide pressure is greater than or equal to the vapour pressure, andthe temperature is in the range 273 to 304.1 K.
 19. (canceled)
 20. Theprocess of claim 16 wherein the dimethyl ether is liquefied andpressurised to a pressure equal to or greater than the vapour pressureat the temperature of the extraction.
 21. (canceled)
 22. The process ofclaim 16 wherein the temperature of the dimethyl ether is in the range273-373 K.
 23. (canceled)
 24. The process of claim 16 wherein thehigh-fat low-lactose dairy starting material contains greater than 10%fat w/w of solids. 25-26. (canceled)
 27. The process of claim 16 whereinthe lactose content of the high-fat low-lactose dairy starting materialis less than or equal to 30% (on a dry weight basis). 28-30. (canceled)31. The process of claim 16 wherein the lactose content of the high-fatlow-lactose dairy starting material is reduced before the extractionprocess.
 32. The process of claim 31 wherein the lactose content isreduced by ultrafiltration.
 33. The process of claim 32 wherein thelactose content is further reduced by diafiltration duringultrafiltration.
 34. The process of claim 16 wherein the high-fatlow-lactose dairy starting material is selected from: lactose-reducedbeta-serum and lactose-reduced buttermilk.
 35. (canceled)
 36. Theprocess of claim 16 wherein the high-fat low-lactose dairy startingmaterial is treated before the near critical carbon dioxide step by oneof the following: spray-drying, freeze-drying and vacuum drying. 37-38.(canceled)
 39. The process of claim 16 wherein the lipid enrichedfraction contains at least 50% phospholipids and glycolipids and issubstantially reduced in neutral lipids.
 40. The process of claim 16wherein the lipid enriched fraction contains at least 80% phospholipidsand glycolipids, and is substantially free of neutral lipids.
 41. Theprocess of claim 16 wherein the lipid depleted fraction is enriched inmilk fat globule membrane proteins and contains, on a powder basis: (a)65-79% protein (TN×6.38), (b) 8-12% lactose, (c) 5-11% fat includingphospholipids (4-9% of fraction).
 42. (canceled)
 43. A process forproducing a lipid enriched fraction and a lipid depleted fractioncomprising the following steps: (1) providing a high-fat low-lactosedairy starting material having less than 10% moisture content; and (2)subjecting the starting material to a liquid dimethyl ether extractionprocess.
 44. The process of claim 43 wherein the dimethyl ether isliquefied and pressurised to a pressure at least equal to the vapourpressure at the temperature of the extraction.
 45. (canceled)
 46. Theprocess of claim 43 wherein the temperature of the dimethyl ether is inthe range 273-373 K.
 47. (canceled)
 48. The process of claim 43 whereinthe high-fat low-lactose dairy starting material contains greater than10% fat w/w of solids. 49-50. (canceled)
 51. The process of claim 43wherein the lactose content of the high-fat low-lactose dairy startingmaterial is less than or equal to 30% (on a dry weight basis). 52-54.(canceled)
 55. The process of claim 43 wherein the lactose content ofthe high-fat low-lactose dairy starting material is reduced before theextraction process.
 56. The process of claim 55 wherein the lactosecontent is reduced by ultrafiltration.
 57. The process of claim 56wherein the lactose content is further reduced by diafiltration duringultrafiltration.
 58. The process of claim 43 wherein the high-fatlow-lactose dairy starting material is selected from: lactose-reducedbeta-serum and lactose-reduced buttermilk.
 59. (canceled)
 60. Theprocess of claim 43 wherein the high-fat low-lactose dairy startingmaterial is treated before the liquid dimethyl ether extraction step byone of the following: spray-drying, freeze-drying and vacuum drying.61-62. (canceled)
 63. The process of claim 43 wherein the lipid enrichedfraction contains at least 40% phospholipids and glycolipids.
 64. Theprocess of claim 43 wherein the lipid enriched fraction contains: (a)80-90% fat, including phospholipids (35-45% of fraction), (b) 5-9% ash,(c) 2-5% lactose, and (d) 2-3% moisture.
 65. The process of claim 43wherein the lipid depleted fraction is enriched in milk fat globulemembrane proteins and contains, on a powder basis: (a) 60-80% protein(TN×6.38), (b) 6-12% lactose, and (c) 5-11% fat, including phospholipids(5-9% of fraction).
 66. (canceled)
 67. A neutral lipid-depletedbeta-serum dairy product enriched in phospholipids, sphingolipids andglycolipids, comprising approximately: (a) 50-70% protein (TN×6.38), (b)5-25% phospholipids and glycolipid, and (c) 0-10% neutral lipid.
 68. Acomposition comprising the product of claim
 67. 69. An infant formulacomprising the product of claim
 67. 70. An infant formula comprising:(a) 30-60% lactose (b) 15-35% vegetable oils (c) 0-40% skim milk powder(d) 0-40% whey protein concentrate (e) 1-50% the product of claim 67.71-72. (canceled)
 73. The infant formula of claim 69 wherein the infantformula provides between 2700 and 3000 kJ/L.
 74. An infant formulacomprising beta-serum.
 75. The infant formula of claim 74 comprising:(a) 30-60% lactose (b) 15-35% vegetable oils (c) 0-40% skim milk powder(d) 0-40% whey protein concentrate (e) 1-50% beta-serum powder.
 76. Theinfant formula of claim 75 comprising: (a) 40-60% lactose (b) 20-30%vegetable oils (c) 10-15% skim milk powder (d) 6-8% 80% whey proteinconcentrate (WPC80) (e) 1-10% beta-serum powder.
 77. The infant formulaof claim 76 comprising: (a) 40-60% lactose (b) 20-30% vegetable oils (c)10-15% skim milk powder (d) 6-8% 80% whey protein concentrate (WPC80)(e) 2-5% beta-serum powder.
 78. (canceled)
 79. The infant formula ofclaim 74 wherein the infant formula provides between 2700 and 3000 kJ/L.80. An infant formula comprising a fraction obtained from beta-serumenriched in polar lipids or depleted in neutral lipids or both.
 81. Theinfant formula of claim 80 comprising: (a) 30-60% lactose (b) 15-35%vegetable oils (c) 0-40% skim milk powder (d) 0-40% whey proteinconcentrate (e) 1-50% a fraction obtained from beta-serum enriched inpolar lipids or depleted in neutral lipids or both. 82-83. (canceled)84. The infant formula of claim 80 wherein the infant formula providesbetween 2700 and 3000 kJ/L. 85-94. (canceled)
 95. A method to provide ahealth benefit to a patient by administering the product of claim 67,wherein the health benefit is at least one of the following: enhancinggut maturation, preventing or reducing the risk of infection, modifyinggut intestinal flora and competitively binding antigens, preventing thedevelopment of allergies, optimizing neural development, treating adermatological condition, optimizing immune system development,111maintaining optimal immune function, and preventing or treating coloncancer.
 96. A method to provide a health benefit to a patient byadministering the composition of claim 68, wherein the health benefit isat least one of the following: enhancing gut maturation, preventing orreducing the risk of infection, modifying gut intestinal flora andcompetitively binding antigens, preventing the development of allergies,optimizing neural development, treating a dermatological condition,optimizing immune system development, maintaining optimal immunefunction, and preventing or treating colon cancer
 97. A method toprovide a health benefit to a patient by administering the infantformula of claim 69, wherein the health benefit is at least one of thefollowing: enhancing gut maturation, preventing or reducing the risk ofinfection, modifying gut intestinal flora and competitively bindingantigens, preventing the development of allergies, optimizing neuraldevelopment, treating a dermatological condition, optimizing immunesystem development, maintaining optimal immune function, and preventingor treating colon cancer. 98-104. (canceled)
 105. A lipid enriched dairyproduct comprising at least 50% phospholipids and glycolipids and beingsubstantially reduced in neutral lipids.
 106. A lipid depleted dairyproduct that is enriched in milk fat globule membrane proteins andcontains, on a powder basis: (a) 65-79% protein (TN×6.38), (b) 8-12%lactose, (c) 5-11% fat including phospholipids (4-9% of fraction). 107.A lipid enriched dairy product comprising at least 40% phospholipids andglycolipids.
 108. A lipid depleted dairy product that is enriched inmilk fat globule membrane proteins and contains, on a powder basis: (a)60-80% protein (TN×6.38), (b) 6-12% lactose, (c) 5-11% fat includingphospholipids (4-9% of fraction).
 109. A composition comprising theproduct of claim
 105. 110. A composition comprising the product of claim106.
 111. A composition comprising the product of claim
 107. 112. Acomposition comprising the product of claim
 108. 113. An infant formulacomprising the product of claim
 105. 114. An infant formula comprisingthe product of claim
 106. 115. An infant formula comprising the productof claim
 107. 116. An infant formula comprising the product of claim108.
 117. An infant formula comprising: (a) 30-60% lactose (b) 15-35%vegetable oils (c) 0-40% skim milk powder (d) 0- 40% whey proteinconcentrate (e) 1-50% the product of claim
 105. 118. An infant formulacomprising: (a) 30-60% lactose (b) 15-35% vegetable oils (c) 0-40% skimmilk powder (d) 0-40% whey protein concentrate (e) 1-50% the product ofclaim
 106. 119. An infant formula comprising: (a) 30-60% lactose (b)15-35% vegetable oils (c) 0-40% skim milk powder (d) 0-40% whey proteinconcentrate (e) 1-50% the product of claim
 107. 120. An infant formulacomprising: (a) 30-60% lactose (b) 15-35% vegetable oils (c) 0-40% skimmilk powder (d) 0-40% whey protein concentrate (e) 1-50% the product ofclaim
 108. 121. The infant formula of claim 113 wherein the infantformula provides between 2700 and 3000 kJ/L.
 122. The infant formula ofclaim 114 wherein the infant formula provides between 2700 and 3000kJ/L.
 123. The infant formula of claim 115 wherein the infant formulaprovides between 2700 and 3000 kJ/L.
 124. The infant formula of claim116 wherein the infant formula provides between 2700 and 3000 kJ/L. 125.A method to provide a health benefit to a patient comprisingadministering the product of claim 105, wherein the health benefit is atleast one of the following: enhancing gut maturation, preventing orreducing the risk of infection, modifying gut intestinal flora andcompetitively binding antigens, preventing the development of allergies,optimizing neural development, treating a dermatological condition,optimizing immune system development, maintaining optimal immunefunction, and preventing or treating colon cancer.
 126. A method toprovide a health benefit to a patient comprising administering theproduct of claim 106, wherein the health benefit is at least one of thefollowing: enhancing gut maturation, preventing or reducing the risk ofinfection, modifying gut intestinal flora and competitively bindingantigens, preventing the development of allergies, optimizing neuraldevelopment, treating a dermatological condition, optimizing immunesystem development, maintaining optimal immune function, and preventingor treating colon cancer.
 127. A method to provide a health benefit to apatient comprising administering the product of claim 107, wherein thehealth benefit is at least one of the following: enhancing gutmaturation, preventing or reducing the risk of infection, modifying gutintestinal flora and competitively binding antigens, preventing thedevelopment of allergies, optimizing neural development, treating adermatological condition, optimizing immune system development,maintaining optimal immune function, and preventing or treating coloncancer.
 128. A method to provide a health benefit to a patientcomprising administering the product of claim 108, wherein the healthbenefit is at least one of the following: enhancing gut maturation,preventing or reducing the risk of infection, modifying gut intestinalflora and competitively binding antigens, preventing the development ofallergies, optimizing neural development, treating a dermatologicalcondition, optimizing immune system development, maintaining optimalimmune function, and preventing or treating colon cancer.
 129. A methodto provide a health benefit to a patient comprising administering thecomposition of claim 109, wherein the health benefit is at least one ofthe following: enhancing gut maturation, preventing or reducing the riskof infection, modifying gut intestinal flora and competitively bindingantigens, preventing the development of allergies, optimizing neuraldevelopment, treating a dermatological condition, optimizing immunesystem development, maintaining optimal immune function, and preventingor treating colon cancer.
 130. A method to provide a health benefit to apatient comprising administering the composition of claim 110, whereinthe health benefit is at least one of the following: enhancing gutmaturation, preventing or reducing the risk of infection, modifying gutintestinal flora and competitively binding antigens, preventing thedevelopment of allergies, optimizing neural development, treating adermatological condition, optimizing immune system development,maintaining optimal immune function, and preventing or treating coloncancer.
 131. A method to provide a health benefit to a patientcomprising administering the composition of claim 111, wherein thehealth benefit is at least one of the following: enhancing gutmaturation, preventing or reducing the risk of infection, modifying gutintestinal flora and competitively binding antigens, preventing thedevelopment of allergies, optimizing neural development, treating adermatological condition, optimizing immune system development,maintaining optimal immune function, and preventing or treating coloncancer.
 132. A method to provide a health benefit to a patientcomprising administering the composition of claim 112, wherein thehealth benefit is at least one of the following: enhancing gutmaturation, preventing or reducing the risk of infection, modifying gutintestinal flora and competitively binding antigens, preventing thedevelopment of allergies, optimizing neural development, treating adermatological condition, optimizing immune system development,maintaining optimal immune function, and preventing or treating coloncancer.
 133. A method to provide a health benefit to a patientcomprising administering the infant formula of claim 113, wherein thehealth benefit is at least one of the following: enhancing gutmaturation, preventing or reducing the risk of infection, modifying gutintestinal flora and competitively binding antigens, preventing thedevelopment of allergies, optimizing neural development, treating adermatological condition, optimizing immune system development,maintaining optimal immune function, and preventing or treating coloncancer.
 134. A method to provide a health benefit to a patientcomprising administering the infant formula of claim 114, wherein thehealth benefit is at least one of the following: enhancing gutmaturation, preventing or reducing the risk of infection, modifying gutintestinal flora and competitively binding antigens, preventing thedevelopment of allergies, optimizing neural development, treating adermatological condition, optimizing immune system development,maintaining optimal immune function, and preventing or treating coloncancer.
 135. A method to provide a health benefit to a patientcomprising administering the infant formula of claim 115, wherein thehealth benefit is at least one of the following: enhancing gutmaturation, preventing or reducing the risk of infection, modifying gutintestinal flora and competitively binding antigens, preventing thedevelopment of allergies, optimizing neural development, treating adermatological condition, optimizing immune system development,maintaining optimal immune function, and preventing or treating coloncancer.
 136. A method to provide a health benefit to a patientcomprising administering the infant formula of claim 116, wherein thehealth benefit is at least one of the following: enhancing gutmaturation, preventing or reducing the risk of infection, modifying gutintestinal flora and competitively binding antigens, preventing thedevelopment of allergies, optimizing neural development, treating adermatological condition, optimizing immune system development,maintaining optimal immune function, and preventing or treating coloncancer.
 137. A method to provide a health benefit to a patientcomprising administering the infant formula of claim 74, wherein thehealth benefit is at least one of the following: enhancing gutmaturation, preventing or reducing the risk of infection, modifying gutintestinal flora and competitively binding antigens, preventing thedevelopment of allergies, optimizing neural development, treating adermatological condition, optimizing immune system development,maintaining optimal immune function, and preventing or treating coloncancer.
 138. A method to provide a health benefit to a patientcomprising administering the infant formula of claim 80, wherein thehealth benefit is at least one of the following: enhancing gutmaturation, preventing or reducing the risk of infection, modifying gutintestinal flora and competitively binding antigens, preventing thedevelopment of allergies, optimizing neural development, treating adermatological condition, optimizing immune system development,maintaining optimal immune function, and preventing or treating coloncancer.